Twenty years ago, the United States helped the Iraqi people overthrow the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein and lay the foundation for a democratic system. It allowed Iraqis to taste freedom for the first time, freeing themselves from the oppression and misuse of resources that had caused disorder not only in my country but also throughout the region.
Since then, U. S. -Iraq relations have had ups and downs, periods of compromise and disengagement, with positions rarely aligned and other times fraught with tensions. However, the leaders of both countries have agreed that our relationship will remain a strategic priority, underpinned by shared interests and collaborative efforts to triumph over challenges. Together, we have defeated terrorism, and security cooperation has enabled us to rebuild the Iraqi army and effective security forces.
Today we will have to protect our strategic partnership by taking it to a new phase, one that supports Iraq’s sovereignty and independence without giving up fruitful cooperation between Baghdad and Washington. Last January, we formed the High Military Committee, made up of senior army officials. U. S. and Iraqi officials, to assess the risk of proceeding from the so-called Islamic State (also known as ISIS), the roles of the Iraqi security services, and the operational situation in the country. This effort led to an agreement among all stakeholders. End the foreign coalition in a slow and orderly manner according to an agreed timetable. (The coalition was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS and includes 86 countries, led through the U. S. and invited through Iraq. )The committee will expand a roadmap for long-term relations, adding the presence of U. S. advisers. These measures, while marking a deterioration in our relations with the United States, will allow us to move into a new phase of partnership, based on cooperation that goes beyond security and military issues.
U. S. -Iraq relations are essential to the stability of the Middle East, as well as to the prosperity of other peoples in the region. In recent years, tensions have arisen between our two countries due to the confrontation with armed teams that have existed in Iraq for two decades. These teams grew out of the complex cases Iraq faced in the face of terrorism. But gradually, as security and stability are restored, the need for weapons outside the control of the state and its institutions will disappear. We are running in combination to achieve this.
Iraq has a long and complicated road ahead of it. My Administration is aware of its delicate position and the delicate balance it will have to maintain between the United States and teams that come into direct collision with U. S. forces. But our vision of this scenario is clear: we reject attacks on U. S. interests in Iraq. or in neighbouring countries. At the same time, we want time to manage internal complexities and reach political agreements with the various parties. The resolution to make war and peace will have to be the exclusive business of the State, and no other party can claim this right.
With the support of its friends, including the United States, Iraq has succeeded in defeating the most ruthless terrorist organization in recent history. Today, only small ISIS teams remain; They are chased by our security forces through deserts, mountains and caves, but they no longer pose a risk to the state. This confrontation has greatly enriched the experience of our security forces, placing them among the most productive armies in the fight against terrorism. The time has come, therefore, to turn the page and redirect our resources and functions from war to the promotion of development.
It is highly unlikely that the final victory against terrorism will be achieved without genuine development, adding a decent population of physical care, education and other essential services. That is the objective of the programme that my Government has developed and is determined to pursue. Implement: Promote economic and monetary reforms, human rights, empower women, and generally promote the principles of freedom and democracy. It is also very important to combat corruption, the other aspect of terrorism, as its effects are no less devastating. – and to make sure that the Iraqi people’s money is used for meaningful purposes. We also want to diversify our economy away from dependence on oil, even as we capitalize on our position as OPEC’s second-largest oil exporter (as well as having gigantic reserves of herbal fuel). To this end, we are promoting cross-border projects (such as trade zones with neighbouring countries) and the Development Route, which serves to link the Gulf region with Turkey and Europe.
As a component of this effort, we now have the opportunity to move the relationship between Iraq and the United States from a one-sided relationship to a comprehensive one. The time has come to change all the provisions of the strategic framework agreement signed in 2008 between Iraq and the United States. The agreement goes far beyond military and security issues, which have governed relations for much of the past two decades, and provides situations for cooperation in areas such as the economy and investment, energy and climate, agriculture and industry. , and generation and education.
Given their collective sacrifices, the other peoples of Iraq and the United States deserve to continue to enjoy the benefits of this partnership. The existing stability in Iraq deserves to inspire U. S. corporations to participate in projects of vital progress in the fields of energy, telecommunications, housing, health, education, transportation, etc. Our Pressing Need for Experience and Generation in the U. S. UU. se extends to electric power and the green economy, while we aim to expand the sustainable and renewable sectors. The Strategic Framework Agreement established the legal basis for these activities. And by making an investment in those countries, we can position Iraq in its democracy, the state and the rule of law, the pillars that will allow us to restore Iraq and regain its historic glory.
The guiding principle of our foreign relations is “Iraq First”: building strong partnerships based on common interests with friendly countries in our region and beyond. This principle means that we treat each country equally, so that Iraq is not a stage where an external actor can settle scores. Iraq will have to be treated on the basis of sovereignty and mutual respect, not as a replacement for other conflicts.
This is also why we seek to repair Iraq’s central role in the Middle East, taking advantage of the merit of its strategic location. We welcome the opportunity to work with the United States to de-escalate crises and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. However, we don’t. There is no need to be dragged into the clash between two of our partners, Iran and the United States. We believe that a comprehensive de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East will be in the interest of both Iraq and the United States. This requires, first and foremost, an urgent end to the war in the Gaza Strip and respect for the valid rights of the Palestinian people.
When I stop in Washington and meet with President Joe Biden on April 15, it will be an opportunity to put the U. S. -Iraq partnership on a new and more sustainable footing. Our discussions will focus on the continued importance of our economic relations, cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and the use of political and diplomatic teams to reduce regional tensions. The fight against terrorism will continue to be a central factor for any of our Governments.
We recognize and appreciate the very important role of the United States and other members of the foreign coalition in defeating ISIS in the fight against terrorism. This aid has helped Iraq achieve stability and make significant progress on democracy, the rule of law, and the government’s monopoly on the use of force. However, we know that now is the time to broaden our relations, recognizing the developing roles of our forces in protecting Iraq and ensuring the security of its citizens, and making an important contribution to building a dirty rich and solid Iraq. In its new form, our partnership can be a source of mutual advantages for our two countries and a driving force for achieving stability in the Middle East.